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De Beers’ steps up ‘wheat-from-chaff’ strategy against Russia

Seeking value: De Beers wants its stones to stand out to retailers and consumers alike PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Seeking value: De Beers wants its stones to stand out to retailers and consumers alike PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

A few months after launching an initiative that gives jewellery retailers a blockchain-backed assurance of the source of their rough diamonds, De Beers is stepping up its traceability efforts to consumers, where the battle between “good and bad” diamonds is ultimately won and lost. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI explains

One of the world’s leading publications, The New York Times, this week ran an article on Russia’s efforts to prevent the Kimberley Process or any other organisation from labelling its diamonds as “conflict or blood”.

Part of the article reads: “Because of loopholes and technicalities, so-called ethical diamonds don’t really exist, many jewellers acknowledge.”

Editor's Comment
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For years, we have rightly celebrated our world-class HIV response. The PMTCT programme has been its crown jewel, ensuring HIV-positive mothers could safely nurture their newborns without fear of transmission. Now, a leaked memo exposes a terrifying reality that the lifeline has been frayed to breaking point. A key warehouse in Francistown stands empty, and access is being rationed. Official reassurances about expected consignments ring hollow to...

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